System and method to fuse bone

Abstract

An implant is provided that is operable to be disposed between and fuse two sections of a bone. The implant includes an inner layer and an outer layer. The outer layer at least partially surrounds the inner layer and is operable to abut against the two sections of the bone. The outer layer is porous and/or fibrous and is operable to receive at least one cellular growth factor.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An implant operable to be disposed between and fuse two sections of a bone, the implant comprising:
 an inner layer; 
 an outer layer at least partially surrounding the inner layer and operable to abut against the two sections of the bone, the outer layer being porous and/or fibrous and operable to receive at least one cellular growth factor; and 
 a series of extension portions of the inner layer formed through the outer layer on at least one side of the outer layer, the extension portions spaced equidistant from each other along the outer layer, the extension portions operable to couple with the bone via a press-fit engagement. 
 
     
     
       2. The implant of  claim 1 ,
 wherein,
 the outer layer includes a first portion and a second portion, 
 the inner layer is sandwiched between the first and second portions of the outer layer. 
 
 
     
     
       3. The implant of  claim 1 , wherein the outer layer is wrapped around a circumference of the inner layer. 
     
     
       4. The implant of  claim 1 , wherein the inner layer and/or the outer layer includes at least a portion of at least one of cortical bone fibers, cancellous bone fibers, collagen sponge, cortical bone graft, synthetic bone, and/or tissue graft. 
     
     
       5. The implant of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one cellular growth factor includes bone morphogenetic proteins, mesenchymal stem cells, blood, osteoclasts, osteoblasts, antibiotics, analgesics, and/or medications. 
     
     
       6. The implant of  claim 1 , wherein the inner layer is fenestrated to promote bony ingrowth. 
     
     
       7. The implant of  claim 1 , wherein the implant has a thickness between about 2 millimeters and about 100 millimeters. 
     
     
       8. The implant of  claim 1 , wherein the implant has a length between about 25 millimeters and about 250 millimeters. 
     
     
       9. The implant of  claim 1 , wherein the implant has a depth between about 1 millimeter and about 30 millimeters. 
     
     
       10. The implant of  claim 1 , wherein the extension portions are teeth extending from the inner layer and through the outer layer, and operable to couple with the bone. 
     
     
       11. The implant of  claim 10 , wherein the teeth are formed of bone tissue, vicryl, polypropylene, stainless steel, titanium, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyetherketone (PEK), polymers, metals, and/or poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). 
     
     
       12. The implant of  claim 1 , wherein the inner layer includes two tabs which extend from each end of the outer layer, the two tabs operable to provide compression and stability to assist in anchoring the implant between the two sections of the bone. 
     
     
       13. A method to fuse two sections of a bone, the method comprising:
 disposing an implant between the two sections of the bone, the implant including:
 an inner layer, 
 an outer layer at least partially surrounding the inner layer and operable to abut against the two sections of the bone, the outer layer being porous and/or fibrous and operable to receive at least one cellular growth factor, and 
 a series of extension portions of the inner layer formed through the outer layer on at least one side of the outer layer, the extension portions spaced equidistant from each other along the outer layer; 
 
 compressing the implant between the two sections of the bone such that the outer layer is abutting against the two sections of the bone and the extension portions engage the bone via a press-fit engagement; and 
 securing the compression of the implant and the two sections of the bone. 
 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 13 , wherein the compression of the implant and the two sections of the bone is secured by wire. 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 13 , wherein the inner layer and/or the outer layer includes at least a portion of at least one of cortical bone fibers, cancellous bone fibers, collagen sponge, cortical bone graft, synthetic bone, and/or tissue graft. 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 soaking the implant in the at least one cellular growth factor, 
 wherein the at least one cellular growth factor includes bone morphogenetic proteins, mesenchymal stem cells, blood, osteoclasts, osteoblasts, antibiotics, analgesics, and/or medications. 
 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 13 , wherein the implant has a thickness between about 2 millimeters and about 100 millimeters. 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 cutting the implant to a predetermined thickness, length, and/or depth. 
 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 13 , wherein the extension portions are teeth extending from the inner layer, through the outer layer, and into the bone. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 13 , wherein the extension portions are formed of bone tissue, vicryl, polypropylene, stainless steel, titanium, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyetherketone (PEK), polymers, metals, and/or poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA).